What does The Chekhov Technique mean?
The Chekhov Technique is an acting method developed by Russian-American actor Michael Chekhov. The technique focuses on physical and psychological gestures to tap into a character’s inner life, rather than relying solely on emotional recall. Chekhov’s approach encourages actors to use imagination and creative body movements, known as psychological gestures, to unlock deeper emotions and embody the character fully. The Chekhov Technique also emphasizes the use of atmosphere, tempo, and energy to create rich, dynamic performances.
Example:An actor uses the Chekhov Technique by creating a specific psychological gesture for their character, allowing them to access the character’s emotional core through physical movement.
Example: During rehearsal, the actor explores different atmospheres and tempos to shape their performance, using the Chekhov Technique to connect to the emotional and physical world of the character.
Did You Know?
Michael Chekhov, nephew of playwright Anton Chekhov, developed this technique after studying under Konstantin Stanislavski, and it remains popular in both theater and film acting!
